Traditional Chinese
Medicine
Having originated in China
more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is a
very well-established medical system that is
practiced worldwide. Since its introduction
to the United States in the early 1970s, it
has seen exponential growth throughout the
country. Best known in the U.S. for pain
relief, acupuncture is recognized by the
World Health Organization as an effective
means to treat numerous conditions.
According to traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM), health is seen as
harmony between inner forces in the body.
These forces, yin and yang, are central
concepts in Eastern thought. Two opposing but
complementary aspects, they symbolize the
cyclic, ever-changing nature of the universe.
In the body, yin and yang are manifest as
blood and Qi, respectively. Qi is the
body’s vital energy, the life force,
“that which animates life.”
When yin and yang are
unbalanced, the result is illness and pain.
Disease occurs because the flow of Qi has
been disrupted. This loss of equilibrium may
be attributed to several factors. Before
discussing these factors, however, it is
important to clarify the TCM view of the
body.
According to TCM, the human
body is comprised of five organ networks:
heart, spleen, kidney, lung and liver. The
heart network maintains blood circulation as
well as governs the mind and spirit. The
spleen system is responsible for digestion as
well as clarity of thought, while the kidney
network controls growth and reproduction. The
lung system allows for the inhalation of
oxygen and transports Qi to the kidney
network. The liver network dictates mood and
directs the flow of Qi.
There also are five climates
in the body that reflect the cycle of nature
and its seasons. These climates are wind,
heat, dampness, dryness and cold. They exist
internally and the body exhibits
corresponding conditions. A fever would be an
occurrence of excess heat, for example. An
excess or deficiency of Qi, and/or wind,
heat, cold, dryness, or dampness in an organ
network can cause Qi to become blocked and
can manifest as illness or pain.
With this understanding the
TCM model of the body, we can better
understand the healing process. As mentioned
above, pain or illness occurs when the flow
of Qi is blocked. Acupuncture –
inserting very thin needles into meridians,
or key energy channels along the body that
correspond to specific organ networks –
enables the flow of Qi. The needles release
the blocked Qi, activating its circulation,
restoring yin-yang balance and eliminating
the source of the problem.
Importantly, traditional
Chinese medicine not only is an effective
treatment for a diverse range of conditions,
it also serves as an excellent way to prevent
illness and maintain health and wellness.
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